LAGUNA BEACH : Teens Gain New Perspective on the Arts

With eucalyptus branches rustling above them and a waterfall tumbling nearby, the teen-age artists hunched over their canvases at the Sawdust Festival, painting an ocean scene.

One seascape in particular caught the eye of Mike Hallinan, a local artist who was teaching the outdoor class.

“This is a good painting,” he said, hoisting it over his head. “You’re all doing well. This is exceptional.”

The Tuesday evening class was part of the Laguna Beach Unified School District’s CREATE program, which allows talented young actors and artists from Santa Ana and Los Angeles County to stay with Laguna Beach families to study their craft and display their skills.

The program was launched last year to expand creative opportunities for high school students from various socioeconomic backgrounds.

Participants praised the program, which runs July 9-21. For some, the highlight was simply visiting this seaside art colony.

“In L.A., it’s really messed up,” said Jimmy Nguyen, 17. “And down here it’s like . . . people are all friendly and people care about the community.”

“It gets us away from all our problems at home,” added David Morales, 15, from Pico Rivera. “We can come here and just focus on our craft.”

The teens, including 20 Laguna Beach students, have attended class daily, had picnics and potlucks and visited museums, festivals and the Orange County Performing Arts Center.

The budding artists have studied with local professionals and created their own works of art, which will be exhibited at F.A.C.T. Contemporary Art Gallery at 30812 Coast Highway this evening from 5 to 7 p.m.

Following the exhibit, the young actors will perform at the Laguna Beach High School Artists’ Theater at 625 Park Ave.

“Everybody said it’s like a once in a lifetime opportunity,” said 15-year-old Santa Ana resident Corina Torres. “And it is.”